So you’ve got yourself a purebred dog but no papers to prove it. Maybe you adopted your furry friend from a shelter, or perhaps the breeder didn’t provide the necessary documentation. Whatever your situation, you’re probably wondering: can you KC register a dog without papers?
The short answer is: it depends on your situation, but there are several options available to you through the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Registration Options for Dogs Without Papers
If you have a purebred dog without AKC registration papers, don’t worry! The AKC offers several pathways that might help you register your dog or at least participate in AKC events. Let’s break down your options:
1. Contact Your Breeder First
Before exploring other options, reach out to your breeder to see if they can provide the necessary documentation Sometimes it’s just a matter of paperwork that hasn’t been completed yet
2. Registry Research Program
The AKC has a registry research program where they investigate pedigrees of dogs without AKC paperwork to determine if they come from AKC registrable stock.
What you’ll need to submit
- Copy of your dog’s pedigree
- Registration application/certificate from another registry
- Documentation from the breeder (contract or bill of sale)
Your dog may qualify if the pedigree shows no break in AKC lineage and the dogs in the pedigree originate from AKC registrable stock
How to submit your documents:
- Fax to 919-816-4232 (mark it “attn: Registry Research”)
- Email images to [email protected] with “Registry Research” in the subject line
- Mail to AKC Registry Research, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617
3. Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP)
If your dog is spayed or neutered, this option allows dogs that are ineligible for registration but are identifiable as a member of an AKC registrable breed to participate in many AKC events.
Eligible AKC events with PAL/ILP:
- Obedience
- Rally
- Agility
- Tracking
- Hunt Tests
- Herding
- Lure Coursing
- Earthdog
- And more!
Common reasons for using PAL/ILP:
- Dog from rescue or shelter
- Never received papers from breeder
- Incomplete paperwork
- Dog registered with non-AKC registry
Requirements:
- Dog must be spayed/neutered
- Must be identifiable as a purebred AKC-recognized breed
4. Dogs Registered with Other U.S. Registries
The AKC accepts dogs registered with certain domestic registries:
- Field Dog Stud Book
- International Foxhunters’ Stud Book
- Masters of Foxhounds Association
- National Beagle Club of America
- National Greyhound Association
- Society for the Perpetuation of Desert Bred Saluki
5. Imported Dogs
For imported dogs with AKC-registered parents, registration may be possible if:
- There was no acceptable registry in the dog’s country of birth
- The dog is physically in the United States
- The sire, dam, and all dogs in the litter have been DNA tested
How to Apply for PAL/ILP (The Most Common Option)
Since the PAL/ILP option is the most accessible for most owners of dogs without papers, here’s how to apply:
- Download the application from www.akc.org/pdfs/masterform.cfm
- Complete the application
- Submit the required documentation
If you can’t download the form, email [email protected] to request a mailed application.
What Can You Do With a PAL/ILP Number?
While a PAL/ILP number isn’t the same as full AKC registration, it still offers significant benefits:
- Enter your dog in numerous AKC events
- Earn AKC titles in various sports
- Strengthen the bond with your dog through training
- Participate in the AKC community
When entering events, you’ll simply list your dog’s PAL/ILP number instead of an AKC registration number.
Understanding Limitations
It’s important to understand what you can’t do with dogs that don’t have full AKC registration:
- You cannot breed and register the puppies with AKC
- Your dog cannot compete in conformation shows (dog shows that judge how well a dog conforms to its breed standard)
- Your dog’s offspring won’t be eligible for AKC registration
Obtaining Documentation When Buying a Dog
To avoid registration issues in the future, make sure you get proper documentation when purchasing a dog. The seller should provide:
- Breed, sex, and color
- Date of birth
- Registered names and numbers of the sire and dam
- Name and address of the breeder
- Date of purchase
- Name and address of the buyer
If the seller promises to send registration papers later, get this agreement in writing!
What If I Still Can’t Register My Dog?
If you’ve tried all the above options and still can’t register your dog, you might need to:
- Seek legal counsel if you believe the breeder or seller has wrongfully withheld papers
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Service
- Accept that your dog cannot be AKC registered, but focus on the wonderful companion you have regardless of paperwork
Final Thoughts
Having a dog without papers doesn’t mean you and your furry friend can’t enjoy many AKC activities together. The PAL/ILP program especially opens doors for dogs that can’t obtain full registration.
Remember, while AKC registration provides certain benefits, it doesn’t determine your dog’s quality or worth as a companion. Many wonderful dogs live happy, fulfilling lives without ever being registered!
If you’re still unsure about your options, contact the AKC directly at 919-233-9767 or [email protected] for personalized assistance with your situation.
FAQs About Registering Dogs Without Papers
Can I register my mixed-breed dog with the AKC?
No, the AKC only registers purebred dogs. However, mixed-breed dogs can be enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program to participate in many AKC events.
Does my dog need to be registered to compete in dog sports?
Not necessarily. With a PAL/ILP listing or Canine Partners enrollment, your dog can participate in many AKC events excluding conformation shows.
How much does it cost to get a PAL/ILP number?
The fee is typically around $35, but check the AKC website for current pricing.
Can I register my dog if it’s registered with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC)?
The Continental Kennel Club is not on the AKC’s list of accepted registries. However, you can submit your dog’s CKC documentation to the AKC Registry Research program to see if your dog qualifies.
Will my dog’s value increase if I register it?
Registration alone doesn’t increase a dog’s value. Health, temperament, and training matter more than registration status for a pet dog.
Expert Q&ASearch
- Question How do you register your dog? Beverly Ulbrich Dog Behaviorist & Trainer Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 “Top Dog Blog” awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. Beverly Ulbrich Dog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Answer If your dog is purebred, you can register them with the American Kennel Club. But you will have to show all the papers to prove that they are purebred.
- Question What is the benefit of a microchip? Beverly Ulbrich Dog Behaviorist & Trainer Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 “Top Dog Blog” awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. Beverly Ulbrich Dog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Answer If a dog has a microchip and is lost, the person who finds them can scan the microchip and locate their parents.
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